Sente Passes Bill to Improve Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

SPRINGFIELD, Ill – To attract new businesses to the state and help existing businesses grow, State Rep. Carol Sente, D-Vernon Hills, passed legislation through the House on Thursday requiring the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to work with the private sector on a strategic plan and provide certainty to businesses.

“We have repeatedly heard that businesses are frustrated with Illinois. The state increased their taxes and then awards incentives to large businesses that threaten to leave the state. Illinois has a great deal to offer businesses, but we need to get our house in order, including pension reform and a continued focus on a strategic and transparent budget process,” Sente said. “Part of Illinois’ economic problem has to do with the national recession, but it also reflects the failings of an uncoordinated incentive system and lack of a strategic economic development plan with private business and public input, and measurable goals. Because DCEO is the agency tasked with finding ways to stimulate economic growth in our state, this bill works with them to focus their efforts, coordinate incentives with local and regional development groups, and hold them accountable.”  

There were numerous measures this session to overhaul DCEO, with little support from both chambers.  HB 1544, however, has the support of DCEO, private businesses, both chambers, and the governor.

“I give Senator Manar a lot of credit for introducing the bill, holding three statewide hearings, and incorporating extensive input from diverse businesses throughout the state as to what they wanted to see changed in Illinois,” Sente said. “What I like best about this piece of legislation is the requirement for a 5-year strategic economic development plan with annual updates, time for public viewing on DCEO’s website, and measurable goals.”

DCEO will submit annual legislation to the General Assembly, allowing a check and balance between the executive and legislative branches. It creates a 12 member private Business Council made up of geographically diverse businesses including small business, manufacturing and health care.   “Illinois must do a better job of attracting new businesses and nurturing existing ones,” Sente said. “After pension reform and budget stabilization, our business community is looking to us to lay out an economic vision for Illinois so we can put more people back to work.” 

HB 1544 passed unanimously out of the House and now awaits the governor’s signature. For more information, please contact Sente’s full-time constituent service office at (847) 478-9909, or e-mail RepSente@gmail.com.